LAUB TO REPRESENT TEAM GERMANY IN WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP

The Jacks leading scorer will head over to Sweden to compete with the World’s best junior hockey players.

ODESSA, TX – The Odessa Jackalopes, members of the North American Hockey League, are proud to announce that Forward Lukas Laub will represent Team Germany at the 2014 World Junior Hockey Championships in Malmo, Sweden. Germany will compete in Group A with hockey powerhouses Canada, The United States, Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

“It’s a huge thrill to be playing those teams,” Laub said, “I’m so pumped to represent my country and play in this tournament against some of the best players in the world.”

Laub made a big splash in his rookie season in 2009-10. At just 15 years old, Laub had 44 points in 24 games with EHC Klostersee U18, but it wasn’t until 2012-13 that he began to catch the eye of junior hockey scouts over in the United States. After 39 points in 24 games with Jungadler Mannheim U18, Lukas moved to the United States to play for the Indiana Ice of the USHL. After 8 points in 24 contests with the Ice, Laub made his way down to the Permian Basin to help a Jackalopes program that was last in the league in scoring during the 2012-13 season. The addition of Laub has not only been huge on the ice, but off the ice as well.

“The Jacks could not be more proud of Lukas on this accomplishment,” said Jacks Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Matt Cressman. “What a great honor it is for Lukas to represent his country at World Juniors. I know he is extremely proud of this accomplishment, and is looking forward to the challenge ahead. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to his continued great play upon his return,”

With the Jacks extended winter break this season, it looks as if Laub will only miss two games during his stay in Sweden.

The 2014 World Junior Hockey Championship begins on December 26th and pool play goes through December 31st. Germany’s first game will be against Canada on December 26th at 6:00am Central Time. Germany will play the United States on Sunday, December 29th at 8:00am Central. You can watch that game live on the NHL Network.

In 2013-14, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their third season in the North American Hockey League and 17th in the Permian Basin. Single game tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.

Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year long and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.